Maria Thacker, President & CEO of Georgia Bio, Elected as New Board Chair for the Council of State Bioscience Associations (CSBA)

The Council of State Bioscience Associations (CSBA) today announced the election of new board members to its Board of Directors for the next two-year term (2022-2023). CSBA also announced new board leadership, including new Chair of the Board of Directors, Maria Thacker, President & CEO of Georgia Bio.


“We are thrilled to announce our new slate of incredibly accomplished and esteemed board leaders for the next exciting phase of CSBA,” said Michele Oshman, Executive Director of Council of State Bioscience Associations (CSBA) and Vice President of External Affairs at the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO). “From the global threats of pandemics and climate change to the growing impact of bioscience on local jobs and economies, our industry faces many important challenges today. We look forward to continuing to work together across our new board leadership, members, and stakeholders to confront these threats and expand opportunities for innovation.”


CSBA is pleased to announce the following leaders and members of the board of directors for the 2022-2023 term:


• Maria Thacker, Board Chair
President & CEO, Georgia Bio
• Kelvyn Cullimore, Board Member
President & CEO, BioUtah
• Michael Fleming, Board Member
President, Delaware Bio
• Laura Gunter, Board Member
President, NCBIO
• Sonia Hall, Board Member
President & CEO, BioKansas
• Debbie Hart, Past Chair
President & CEO, BioNJ
• Liisa Bozinovic, CSBI Representative
Executive Director, Oregon Bio

The new leaders and members of the board of directors will join existing members serving for the 2021-2022 term:


• John Conrad, Board Member
President & CEO, iBIO
• Mike Guerra, Board Member
President & CEO, California Life Sciences
• Dawn Hocevar, Board Member
President & CEO, BioCT


“I am honored to be the new CSBA Board Chair and pledge to continue elevating the critical work of state biotechnology associations nationwide,” said Maria Thacker, Board Chair, CSBA and President & CEO, Georgia Bio. ”Our associations play a central role in championing the groundbreaking work of the biotechnology sector as we innovate for human health discoveries, agricultural advancements, and environmental sustainability.”

“It has been my honor to serve as the CSBA Board Chair over these last two years,” said Debbie Hart, Past Chair, CSBA and President & CEO, BioNJ. “Our state associations have faced immense challenges on the policy arena as well as an unprecedented global pandemic. I am proud of what we have collectively accomplished in helping to stave off grave policy proposals, offering unique educational opportunities, and supporting our Members, all despite operating remotely in a time of immense change for our country. I am delighted to see the very talented Maria Thacker take over as the new CSBA Chair and look forward to supporting her in that role and to our ongoing collaboration on behalf of our industry.”

About The Council of State Bioscience Associations


The Council of State Bioscience Associations (CSBA) is a confederation of state-based, nonprofit trade organizations each governed by its own board of directors convened by the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO). The common mission of the members of the CSBA is to promote public understanding and to advocate for public policies that support patient access to lifesaving therapies and the responsible development of the bioscience industry.

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Georgia Life Sciences Urges Protection of Patient Access as Georgia Implements Medicaid Changes

September 14, 2026
Georgia Life Sciences has submitted comments to the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) regarding the Georgia Pathways to Coverage program and implementation of new federal Medicaid requirements. As Georgia prepares for these changes, Georgia Life Sciences is urging state leaders to prioritize continuity of care and minimize unnecessary administrative barriers that could delay or disrupt access to medically necessary treatment . This is particularly important for Georgians living with serious, chronic, rare, and medically complex conditions who may rely on ongoing medications, diagnostics, therapies, medical technologies, specialty care, and coordinated treatment plans. Even temporary disruptions in coverage can interrupt care and create additional challenges for patients and families. In its comments, Georgia Life Sciences encouraged DCH to protect continuity of coverage during eligibility and redetermination processes, provide patients and caregivers with clear and timely information, minimize unnecessary administrative burdens, and establish appropriate safeguards when a coverage disruption could interrupt an established course of treatment. “As Georgia implements these new federal requirements, we want to ensure that patients remain at the center of the process,” said Maria Thacker Goethe, MPH, President & CEO of Georgia Life Sciences. “Administrative changes should not become barriers between patients and the care they need. Protecting continuity of care is particularly important for Georgians managing serious and complex health conditions.” Read Georgia Life Sciences’ full comments to DCH here.
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